Adjustable exercise device

ABSTRACT

An adjustable exercise device includes a removable handle, a extendible stacking pole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes for ergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical round weightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to the bottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as a platform base for the floor. The stacking pole is adjustable in length. The handle can be removed from the stacking pole by pulling a pin, thereby releasing the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application entitled“GOBLET SQUAT EXERCISE DEVICE,” Ser. No. 61/920,196, filed Dec. 23,2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an exercise device and specificallya device for use with goblet squats, deadlifts, kettlebell exercises,bent-over rows and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to physical fitness exercises ingeneral and more specifically to an adjustable exercise device primarilyused for goblet squat exercises. The exercise is called a goblet squatbecause the user typically holds a weight with both hands in frontsimilar to holding a goblet. The term “user” is intended to include bothmale and female users. For simplicity, this application will referencethe user in the masculine gender. Keeping his back fairly straight, theuser pushes his hips back and bends his knees to lower his body to adesired squat position, which may be from a slightly bent position to aposition where the tops of his thighs are parallel to the floor or lowerdepending on the ability of the user. For purposes of the invention, theterm “floor” is intended to include any horizontal exercise surface,such a floor, the ground, a stand, a bench or an elevated platform.After pausing, the user pushes up to the start position.

Goblet squats are typically performed using a single dumbbell or akettle bell. When using a dumbbell, the weight is placed on its sidesuch that one plate lies on the floor and the other plate is extendedupwardly by means of the dumbbell handle. The user then grasps the upperweight plate to hold the dumbbell in goblet fashion. A kettle bell mayalso be used for this exercise. With a kettlebell, the user grasps thehorns or handle of the weight to lift it.

Because of its relatively short size, using a dumbbell or kettlebell forperforming squat exercises becomes difficult as the weight becomesincreasingly heavier in that it can be awkward and possibly dangerousfor the user to pick the device from the floor into the goblet squatbeginning exercise position, perform a set and return the weight to thefloor when the goblet squat exercise set is complete. A “set” is definedas the number of repetitions a user completes of goblet squats.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to develop an exercisedevice which allows the user to conduct a set of squat exercises inconvenient and safer manner while still enabling the user to gainmaximum strength building benefit from the exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to an adjustable gobletsquat exercise device which consists of a removable handle, a stackingpole and a base. The handle can be any of a number of shapes forergonomic control. The stacking pole is designed to hold typical roundweightlifting discs in a stack on the base, which is attached to thebottom of the stacking pole to both restrain the weights and serve as aplatform base for the floor. The handle can be removed from the stackingpole by pulling a pin thereby releasing the handle.

The present invention is also directed to an adjustable exercise devicecomprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a handleunit comprising a handle; an extendable stacking pole comprising a firstmember and a second member, wherein the first member is slidablyreceived within the second member, wherein the first member has a firstend affixed to the base and a second end, wherein the second member hasa first end affixed to the handle unit and a second end for slidablyreceiving the second end of the first member; and a device forreleasably securing the first member and the second member.

The present invention is further directed to an adjustable hand heldexercise device, comprising a base having an upper surface and a lowersurface; a handle unit comprising a handle affixed to a handle post,wherein the handle post has a first end affixed to the handle unit and asecond end, wherein further the handle post includes at least one set ofopenings passing through the handle post; a weight stacking tube ofvarying length having a first end, a second end and a central channelfor slidably receiving the second end of the handle post, wherein thefirst end of the weight stacking tube is connected to the base, andwherein the weight stacking tube includes at least one set of openingspassing through the weight stacking tube, such that the weight stackingtube openings can align with the handle post openings; and a fasteningpin passing through the aligned openings of the weight stacking tube andthe handle post for releasably securing the weight stacking tube to thehandle post.

The weight stacking tube and the handle can be manufactured in variouslengths for ease of use for people of all heights. It is within thescope of the present invention to include an extension to the stackingpole if necessary and if the user wishes to extend the length of thehandle from the floor. This will enable users of all sizes to transitionthe device from the ground, floor, stand or bench to the standingposition of the exercise in an efficient and comfortable manner.

Unlike standard kettle bells or dumbbells, known to the industry, theadjustable goblet squat exercise device of the present invention allowsa user to hold the device closer to the user's body so that more weightcan be comfortably used when performing an exercise. Further, the heightof the adjustable goblet squat exercise device can be easily adjusted sothat the user can control the depth of the squat intended to beperformed. By squatting to different depths, the user can target whichmuscles are used in the exercise and limit the depth of the squat shouldthe user have limited range of motion and/or be injured. When the deviceis set to a taller or higher level, it will be easier for the user topick it up from the ground.

Further still, the weight to the device of the present invention isvariable by adjusting the number of weight plates to meet the needs ofthe user. Further, the weight can be easily changed by a relativelyquick and easy step, thus eliminating the need for several devices ofdifferent heights and weights.

The shape of the device of the present invention is specifically suitedfor the goblet squat exercise in that the desired weights are added tothe base of the device which keeps the bulk of the weight resistanceduring the exercise in the lower core area of the user's body.

Further, the handle of the device can be ergonomically shaped, angledand positioned to make lifting the device from the floor, ground, standor a bench, using the device when performing the exercise and returningthe device after completion of the exercise to the floor efficiently andreasonably safe. The handle can also have grips with rotationalabilities to assist in various lifting capabilities. The handle may bepadded to offer additional comfort and gripping security when the deviceis being used.

The device of the present invention is not “top heavy” like a dumbbellsince dumbbells have heavy ends on both ends of the unit. It can beuncomfortable and awkward to have a heavy end of dumbbell restingagainst the top of the chest near the neck and face during theperformance of the exercise. For females, dumbbells can be even moreawkward and uncomfortable than they are for men because ends ofdumbbells often hit a female's breasts when performing the exercise. Thedesign of the exercise device of the present invention will be such thatthe stacking pole from the base to the handle will rest between or infront of a female's breasts to add comfort during the exercise process.

The device of the present invention is intended to be with theperformance of goblet squats. Goblet squats can be performed in variousforms by changing the width of the user stance or the position of thefeet. It is also contemplated that alternative handles can be adapted tothe device to turn it into a device which can be used for deadlifts,kettlebell exercises, bent-over rows and the like.

The objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of theinvention made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 which nowincludes the addition of weight plates.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 illustratingthe three main pieces separately.

FIGS. 4 A-C are front views illustrating the use of the goblet squatexercise device.

FIGS. 5 A-C are front views illustrating alternative embodiments ofhandle shapes.

FIG. 5D is a side perspective view illustrating a further alternativeembodiment of a handle shape.

FIGS. 6 A-C are perspective views of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.4D illustrating that the handle can rotate around a center collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 for the adjustable exercise device 10of the present invention, which is defined by a base 12, an extendablestacking pole 13 having a first end 15 and a second end 17, and a handleunit 36, wherein the first end 15 of the stacking pole 13 is affixed tothe base 12 and the second end 17 of the stacking pole 13 is affixed tothe handle unit 36. As described further in this disclosure, thestacking pole 13 may advantageously be lengthened or shortened dependingon the wishes of the user 100 and the type of exercise performed. Whenthe appropriate length of the stacking pole 13 is determined, the lengthis then secured by a securing device 60. The materials used for makingexercise devices 10, such as that described herein, are well known tothe art and can include metals such steel, iron, aluminum, as well asother composite materials including plastics and polycarbonates, as longas the strength and the integrity of the material is sufficient for thepurpose intended.

The Base 12

The device 10 includes a base 12, which is typically round or diskshaped and made of a heavy metal, such as steel or iron. It is withinthe scope of the present invention to provide a base 12 of differentshapes, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. While thedimensions of the base 12 can vary, a representative dimension will havea length or diameter of approximately five inches and a thickness ofbetween one-half inch and one inch. The base 12 includes an uppersurface 14, a lower surface 16, and a side 18. The lower surface 16 isgenerally flat to enable the device 10 to be safely positioned on afloor surface. It is contemplated that surfaces 14 and 16 will besmooth. If desired, the lower surface 16 can include bumpers or pads(not illustrated) to prevent marring on the floor.

Weight Stacking Tube 20

Attached to the center of the upper surface 14 of the base 12 is aweight stacking tube 20, which forms the lower portion of the stackingpole 13. As illustrated, the weight stacking tube 20 is square orrectangular in configuration. It is also within the scope of the presentinvention to include a first member or weight stacking tube 20 ofdifferent cross-sectional shapes, such as circular or oval. The weightstacking tube 20 includes an upper first end 22, a lower second end 24attached to the surface 14 of the base 12, parallel front and rear sides26, 28 connected by parallel sides 30, 32. The weight stacking tube 20is typically attached to the center of the base 12 by welding, bolts orother attachment means. The weight stacking tube 20 further includes acentral hollow channel 34 for receiving the handle unit 36 as describedbelow. Situated on the front side 26 of the tube 20 are a series ofvertically oriented openings 40 which pass from the outer surface ofside 26 to the inner channel 23. Likewise, the back side 28 includessimilarly oriented openings 40 to provide a pass through. The weightstacking tube 20 is designed to be manufactured in various lengths forease of use for people of all heights. This will enable users of allsizes to transition the device 10 from a ground surface, and an elevatedstand or bench to the standing position of the exercise in an efficientand comfortable manner.

Handle Unit 36

The handle unit 36 is defined by a handle 37 securely affixed to asecond member or handle post 52, which forms the upper portion of thestacking pole 13. The handle post 52 has a first end 53 and a second end55. The handle 37 is affixed to the first end 53. The handle 37 includesa pair of opposing handle ends 42, 44, extending from an intersectionpoint 50. Each handle end 42, 44 may optionally and preferably include acomfort grip 46, 48, which may be foam padding or the like. Comfortgrips are known to the art. As illustrated, the handle ends 42, 44 arecapable of being firmly and securely grasped with each hand of the user100, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C.

In the embodiment illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the handle ends42, 44 meet at an intersection point 50 and are securely affixed to thehandle post 52 Like the weight stacking tube 20, the handle post 52 hasa series of pass-through openings 54 designed to align with the openings40 of the weight stacking tube 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handlepost 52 is designed to be slidably placed within the channel 23 of theweight stacking tube 20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the handle ends 42, 44 may be bent at theintersection point 50 to angle in an upward position. An alternativeembodiment to the handle is illustrated in FIG. 5A, in which the handle37 is enclosed to form a closed triangle or ring, similar to akettlebell. In a second alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5B,the handle 37 forms a straight bar situated at a perpendicular angle tothe handle post 52. In a third alternative embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 5C-D, the handle 37 is formed such that the handle ends 42, 44 arecurved at a slight angle in a fashion similar to a standard bicyclehandlebar. Advantageously, the curved shape of the handle 37 and thecurved top of the handle post 52, illustrated in FIGS. 5C-D, enables thestack of weights 70 and the handle 37 to be placed closer to the user's100 body, which may be desired for certain exercises. Each embodiment isdesigned to add a different element to the exercise depending on thedesire of the user. In this manner, the handle 37 may be shaped andpositioned to make lifting the device 10 from a surface, using thedevice 10 when performing the exercise and returning the device 10 tothe surface after completion of the exercise efficiently and reasonablysafe.

A fourth embodiment to the handle 37 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-C. Inthis embodiment, the handle post 52 is defined by collar 90 located atthe intersection point 50 and having a collar channel 92, which isaffixed to the first end 53 of the handle post 52. The handle 37 is thenrotatably placed within the collar channel 92 such the handleintersection point 50 resides within the collar channel 92. In thismanner, the handle ends 42, 44 may rotate in an arc 94 as illustrated inFIG. 6C. It is also within the scope of this embodiment to include acatch mechanism, i.e., a partial lock, between the rotating handle 37and the collar channel 92, such that the handle 37 can only partiallyrotate from an approximate horizontal position, as illustrated in FIG.6A, to an approximate vertical position, as illustrated in FIG. 6B. Ifdesired, the grip can have rotational abilities and will also bebeneficial during the various steps in using the device. The handle 37may be padded to offer additional comfort or gripping security when thedevice is being used. When performing the actual exercise, the grip ofthe device 10 with the rotational handle 37 as illustrated in FIG. 5Cwill be more comfortable. This is particularly true when heavier weightsin the 50 to 120 pound (22.7 to 54.4 kilogram) or higher range are used.

Adjustable Height

The height of the stacking pole 13 of the device 10, i.e., the distancebetween the base 12 and the intersection point 50 of the handle unit 36,can be adjusted by placement of a fastener, such as a fastening pin 60,through the pass-through openings 40, 54 in the weight stacking tube 20and the handle post 52. The fastening pin 60 is easily manipulated byone hand of a user 100. The fastening pin 60 may include aspring-activated locking catch 62 to inhibit its removal once it isinserted through the pass-through openings 40, 54. Therefore, the heightof the device 10 can be easily adjusted in increments merely by raisingthe handle unit 36 to a position where the openings 40, 54 are inalignment. The pin fastening 60 is then passed through the openings 40,54 for securing the handle post 52 to the weight stacking tube 20. Whilethe pass-through openings 40, 54 are illustrated on the front and backsides of the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, it is within the scope of the present invention to place thepass-through opening 40, 54 on the side walls of both the weightstacking tube 20 and the handle post 52. In this manner, the pin 60would be placed through the openings 40, 54 in a manner parallel to thedirection of the handles 37, rather than perpendicular to the directionof the handles 37 as illustrated in the figures.

While the fastening pin 60 is the preferred method for securing thehandle post 52 to the weight stacking tube 20, it is within the scope toinclude other securing means for affixing the handle post 52 to theweight stacking tube 20. For example, the weight stacking tube 20 may beprovided with a lever grip or a retaining ring which, when activated,tightens the weight stacking tube 20 to the handle post 52 at a locationprovided a desired height for the stacking pole 13.

Weight Plates 70

Reference is made to FIG. 2 which illustrates the device 10 with aseries of vertically stacked weight plates 70. Weight plates 70 in theopen market are available in the following increments: 2.5, 5, 10 and 25pounds (1.1, 2.3, 4.5 and 11.3 kilograms) and higher. The weight plates70 are typically defined by a central opening 71 which allows the weightplates 70 to slide over and onto the weight stacking tube 20 forplacement thereon. Multiple plates 70 can be securely stacked on weightstacking tube 20 of the device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The user 100can load the device 10 to the exact weight(s) desired when performing anexercise. Thus, the user 100 only needs access to the device 10 and theweight plates 70 needed to get to the desired weight. The user does notneed to have access to or own an entire set of dumbbells or kettle bellsin multiple weights.

For assembly, the base 12 is placed on the floor such that the lowersurface 16 is adjacent the floor surface and the weight stacking tube 20extends vertically from the center of the upper surface 14 of the base20 as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this position, the weight stacking tube20 can receive weight plates 70. A plurality of weight plates 70 canthen be placed such that the central opening 71 of each plate 70 passesover the upper first end 22 of the weight stacking tube 20 and rests onthe upper surface 14 of the base 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thenumber and weight of the weight plates 70 to be added to the device 10is determined by the user 100.

Once the weight plates 70 are properly positioned on the weight stackingtube 20, the handle unit 36 is attached to the weight stacking tube 20by slidably fitting the second end 55 of the handle post 52 within thecentral hollow channel 34 at the first end 15 of the weight stackingtube 20. The handle unit 36 is releasably secured to the weight stackingtube 20 by placement of a fastening pin 60 through the oriented openings40 and 54 of the weight stacking tube 20 and the handle post 52respectively. The combined placement of the weight stacking tube 20 andthe handle post 52 forms the stacking pole 13. Advantageously, theplurality of openings 40, 54 in the weight stacking tube 20 and handlepost 52 enables variations in the placement of the fastening pin 60which in turn allows the stacking pole 13 to have a variety of lengthsdepending on the desire of the user 100. Thus, the stacking pole 13 canbe relatively short as illustrated in

FIG. 4A and 4B or longer as illustrated in FIG. 4C. The locking catch 62on the fastening pin 60 prevents the undesired separation of the handleunit 36 from the weight stacking tube 20.

In Operation

Reference is made to FIGS. 4A-C, which illustrate various users 100 ofthe device 10 in standing and squatting positions. When the weightplates 70 are properly positioned on the device 10, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 4A-C, the user 100 can squat to grip the handles 42, 44 ofthe device 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. The user 100 firmly grasps thehandles 42, 44 and then thrusts upwardly to the position illustrated inFIG. 4A. The user 100 can then repeat the squat exercise as desired. Thevariations in the handles 37, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 1 andin FIGS. 4A-C, as well as the variation in weight applied by differentweight plates 70, allows the user 100 to vary the exercise as desired.For example, the user 100 can use the handle 37 illustrated in FIG. 5Ato perform kettlebell routines. If the user 100 wishes to have thedevice 10 closer to the user's body, the handle 37 illustrated in FIGS.5C-D can be used. If the user 100 prefers to exercise with a partialdeep knee bend where the knees are not severely bent, the stacking pole13 can be elongated, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, and described above.Alternatively, the stacking pole 13 can be shortened, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-B, for deeper knee bends. By squatting to different depths, theuser 100 can target which muscles are used in the exercise and limit thedepth of the squat should the user 100 have limited range of motionand/or be injured. When the device 10 is set to a taller or higherlevel, it will be easier for the user 100 to pick it up from a groundsurface.

Any version of any component or method step of the invention may be usedwith any other component or method step of the invention. The elementsdescribed herein can be used in any combination whether explicitlydescribed or not.

All combinations of method steps as used herein can be performed in anyorder, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary bythe context in which the referenced combination is made.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number andsubset of numbers contained within that range, whether specificallydisclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed asproviding support for a claim directed to any number or subset ofnumbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 shouldbe construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 5to 6, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

All patents, patent publications, and peer-reviewed publications (i.e.,“references”) cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety to the same extent as if each individual reference werespecifically and individually indicated as being incorporated byreference. In case of conflict between the present disclosure and theincorporated references, the present disclosure controls.

The devices, methods, compounds and compositions of the presentinvention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of theessential elements and limitations described herein, as well as anyadditional or optional steps, ingredients, components, or limitationsdescribed herein or otherwise useful in the art.

While this invention may be embodied in many forms, what is described indetail herein is a specific preferred embodiment of the invention. Thepresent disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of theinvention is not intended to limit the invention to the particularembodiments illustrated. It is to be understood that this invention isnot limited to the particular examples, process steps, and materialsdisclosed herein as such process steps and materials may vary somewhat.It is also understood that the terminology used herein is used for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited toonly the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

I claim:
 1. An adjustable exercise device comprising: a. a base havingan upper surface and a lower surface; b. a handle unit comprising ahandle; c. an extendable stacking pole comprising a first member and asecond member, wherein the first member is slidably received within thesecond member, wherein the first member has a first end affixed to thebase and a second end, wherein the second member has a first end affixedto the handle unit and a second end for receiving the second end of thefirst member; and d. a device for releasably securing the first memberand the second member.
 2. The adjustable exercise device of claim 1wherein the first member includes at least one set of openings passingthrough the first member and the second member includes at least one setof openings passing through the second member, such the openings in thefirst member align with the openings of the second member, and whereinthe exercise device includes a fastening pin passing through the alignedopenings of the first and second members.
 3. The adjustable exercisedevice of claim 1 wherein the first and second members comprise aplurality of vertically oriented openings.
 4. The adjustable exercisedevice of claim 1 wherein the handle unit comprises a pair of opposinghandle ends extending from a midpoint of the handle unit.
 5. Theadjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein the handle ends form astraight bar situated at a perpendicular angle to the second member. 6.The adjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein the handle ends areangled away from the midpoint of the of the handle unit.
 7. Theadjustable exercise device of claim 4 wherein each of the pair of handleends includes a comfort grip.
 8. The adjustable exercise device of claim1 wherein the handle is securely affixed to the second member.
 9. Theadjustable exercise device of claim 1 wherein the handle is rotatablyaffixed to the second member.
 10. The adjustable exercise device ofclaim 9 wherein the handle unit comprises a collar affixed to the firstend of the second member, wherein the collar includes a collar channelfor rotatably receiving the handle.
 11. The adjustable exercise deviceof claim 1 wherein the handle forms a ring.
 12. The adjustable exercisedevice of claim 1 further comprising at least one removable verticallystacked weight plate, wherein the weight plate includes a centralopening for receiving the first member.
 13. An adjustable hand heldexercise device, comprising: a. a base having an upper surface and alower surface; b. a handle unit comprising a handle affixed to a handlepost, wherein the handle post has a first end affixed to the handle unitand a second end, wherein further the handle post includes at least oneset of openings passing through the handle post; c. a weight stackingtube of varying length having a first end, a second end and a centralchannel for slidably receiving the second end of the handle post,wherein the first end is connected to the base, and wherein the weightstacking tube includes at least one set of openings passing through theweight stacking tube, such that the weight stacking tube openings canalign with the handle post openings; and d. a fastening pin passingthrough the aligned openings of the weight stacking tube and the handlepost for releasably securing the weight stacking tube to the handlepost.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the weight stackingtube and the handle post comprise a plurality of vertically orientedopenings.
 15. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the handleincludes a pair of opposing handle ends extending from a midpoint of thehandle unit.
 16. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the handle issecurely affixed to the handle post.
 17. The exercise device of claim 13wherein the handle is rotatably affixed to the handle post.
 18. Theexercise device of claim 17 wherein the handle unit comprises a collaraffixed to the first end of the handle post, wherein the collar includesa collar channel for rotatably receiving the handle.
 19. The exercisedevice of claim 18 wherein the collar includes a catch mechanism forpartially obstructing the rotation of the handle.
 20. The exercisedevice of claim 13 further comprising at least one removable verticallystacked weight plate, wherein the weight plate includes a centralopening for receiving the weight stacking tube.